Food In Vigan

Food History of Vigan, Philippines

Vigan, a city located on the western coast of the island of Luzon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site esteemed for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Its food history is no less rich; it is a melting pot of cultural influences, predominantly Spanish and Asian, which have combined to give Viguese cuisine its unique flavors. Spanish colonial rule, which lasted for more than three hundred years, left a significant mark on the local cuisine, introducing ingredients like tomato and garlic alongside cooking techniques such as sautéing. Chinese traders and settlers brought their own culinary traditions, contributing to the diversity of Vigan gastronomy. Local ingredients, such as bagnet, longganisa and vegetables cultivated in Ilocos region, have shaped the distinctive taste profiles of Vigan dishes.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Vigan, Philippines for Tourists

1. Empanada - A savory pastry that is quite similar to a turnover. It is filled with Vigan longganisa (local sausage), cabbage, egg, and mung beans. This dish is non-veg.
2. Vigan Longganisa - A unique type of Philippine sausage known for its garlic-heavy flavor and slightly sour taste. It is distinctly different from other regional sausages and is non-veg.
3. Sinanglao - A sour and savory soup that typically features beef other than cow, or sometimes fish for a non-beef version, and is flavored with local spices and souring agents, making it a non-veg option.
4. Pinakbet - A mixed vegetable stew flavored with shrimp paste. It often contains eggplant, tomato, okra, string beans, and squash, making it a hearty veg dish.
5. Bagnet - Crispy fried pork belly that is a local specialty of the Ilocos region. This dish is a simple, yet indulgent non-veg item.
6. Poqui Poqui - A traditional Ilocano dish made of grilled eggplants, tomatoes, and eggs. This is a flavorful veg option.
7. Bibingka - A type of rice cake that is often enjoyed during breakfast or as a snack. It is made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, resulting in a sweet veg treat.
8. Lumpia - Philippine spring rolls that can be either fresh or fried, and filled with vegetables or meat. Look for vegetable lumpia as a veg alternative.
9. Ukoy - A Filipino-style shrimp fritter also available in vegetable versions, usually served with a spicy vinegar dip. The veg Ukoy omits the shrimp but retains all the flavor.
10. Sinanglaw - A tangy and mildly spicy stew commonly made with goat or other meat innards but can also be prepared using just vegetables for a veg version.

Top Famous Restaurants in Vigan, Philippines

Café Leona

Address: Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Famous Food: Pinakbet (Veg), Longganisa (Non-Veg)

Kusina Felicitas

Address: Ground Floor, Grandpa's Inn, 1 Bonifacio St. corner Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
Famous Food: Bagnet (Non-Veg), Vegetable Lumpia (Veg)

Café Uno

Address: 1 Bonifacio St. Plaza Burgos, Vigan City
Famous Food: Poqui Poqui (Veg), Vigan Longganisa (Non-Veg)

Bistro Amarillo

Address: Plaridel Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Famous Food: Empanada (Non-Veg), Ukoy (Veg Option Available)